Headgear with detachable and interchangeable elastic bands

ABSTRACT

Headgear are disclosed, having a body and a strap which is removable from the body so as to be replaceable and interchangeable. Each of the straps may have a logo or other indicia displayed thereon. By interchanging straps with varying indicia, the user can change the decorative appearance of the headgear. In addition to its decorative function, the strap may be elastic and when attached to the body proximate opposed ends of a headband of the headgear such that the elastic nature of the strap will allow the headgear to expand or contract to conform to the head size of a wearer. The strap has opposed ends and is removably connected to the body by attachment means which may comprise hook assemblies permanently connected to the opposed ends of the strap, the hook assemblies each engaging respective grommets set into the body.

[0001] This application claims the benefit of copending provisional applications 60/267,838; 60/267,839 and 60/267,845 all filed Feb. 10, 2001.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] 1. Field of the Invention

[0003] This invention relates to the field of headgear, and more particularly to an item of headgear having a body and an elastic band releasably connected to the body so as to be replaceable and interchangeable with alternative elastic bands to change the appearance of the headgear.

[0004] 2. Description of the Related Art

[0005] Items of headgear such as baseball caps, tennis visors and fishing caps are well known in the art. It is also well known to provide such items of headgear with an adjustment strap so as to make the item adjustable to fit persons of varying head size. These adjustment straps are often connected to the rear of the cap body so as to span an opening formed therein. The opening allows for expansion and contraction of the cap body while the strap limits the expansion to a selected size.

[0006] One common type of adjustment strap comprises a pair of interlocking plastic halves, each of which has a first end which is fixedly connected to the body of the cap. One of the halves includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced holes. The other half includes a plurality of longitudinally spaced detents, projections or pins which engage the holes to connect the halves together. By selectively matching the detents to selected ones of the holes, a user can vary the size of the cap. One problem with this type of adjustment strap is that the straps are not very durable and tend to break. Because the straps are permanently affixed to the cap they are not replaceable and the cap must, therefore, be discarded when the straps break. In addition, these straps allow only incremental adjustment of the cap size.

[0007] Other known adjustment straps use buckles, buttons, snaps, hook and loop fasteners, etc. to vary the length of the strap. One thing that all of these straps have in common is that at least one end of the strap is permanently affixed to the cap body.

[0008] Another type of cap designed to fit a range of head sizes uses an elastic headband to allow for expansion and contraction of the cap. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,715,540 to Byoung Woo Cho discloses a free-size cap having a multi-gore shell with a uniaxially stretchable headband which is permanently affixed to the shell. The side and rear gores of the shell are also formed of a uniaxially stretchable fabric to allow the cap to expand and contract to fit the user.

[0009] One reason for the popularity of baseball caps and other items of headgear is that they often display logos or other indica that reflect the wearer's personality, interests, or beliefs. These indicia may be the logo of the cap manufacturer, the logo of a manufacturer of other goods, the logo of a sports team, the name or number of a favorite player, etc. Other types of indica may be of a comical nature, such as a humorous phrase, or picture of a cartoon character. Some indicia may be purely ornamental without conveying any message whatsoever. The indicia may simply be a color scheme chosen to match the wearer's mood or outfit. The indicia displayed on known items of headgear is generally permanently imprinted on the item, such as by embroidery or silk screen printing. If the user, therefore, wishes to display different indica on different occasions, he or she must own multiple items of headgear from which to select.

[0010] One prior attempt to allow for variation in the appearance of an item of headgear is disclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,003,640 to Anthony Pizzacar. The device comprises a nameplate which is removably attachable to the adjustment strap of a conventional baseball cap.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] The present invention comprises various articles of headgear, each of which has a body and a strap which is removable from the body so as to be replaceable and interchangeable with alternate straps. Each of the straps may have a logo or other indicia displayed thereon, and the indicia may vary between straps. By interchanging straps with varying indicia, the user can change the decorative appearance of the headgear. In addition to its decorative function, the strap may be elastic and attached to the body proximate opposed ends of a headband of the headgear such that the elastic nature of the strap will allow the headgear to expand or contract to conform to the head size of a wearer. The strap has opposed ends and is removably connected to the body by attachment means which may comprise hook assemblies permanently connected to the opposed ends of the strap, the hook assemblies each engaging respective grommets set into the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a baseball cap which comprises a first embodiment of the present invention taken from behind and above the cap.

[0013]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the baseball cap taken from beneath the cap.

[0014]FIG. 3 is a rear view of the baseball cap showing usage of interchangeable straps having different logos printed thereon.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a fragmentary view of the baseball cap taken from the inside of the cap and looking rearwardly.

[0016]FIG. 5 is an enlarged, fragmentary edge view the removable elastic strap of the baseball cap showing a hook assembly thereof.

[0017]FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a visor which comprises a second embodiment of the present invention taken from beneath and to one side of the visor.

[0018]FIG. 7 is a front view of a fishing cap which comprises a third embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0019] As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure. The drawings constitute a part of this specification and include exemplary embodiments of the present invention and illustrate various objects and features thereof

[0020] Certain terminology will be used in the following description for convenience in reference only and will not be limiting. For example, the words “upwardly,” “downwardly,” “rightwardly,” and “leftwardly” will refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. The words “inwardly” and “outwardly” will refer to directions toward and away from, respectively, the geometric center of the embodiment being described and designated parts thereof Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof and words of a similar import.

[0021] First Embodiment

[0022] Referring to the drawings in more detail, and in particular to FIGS. 1-5, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a baseball cap which represents a first embodiment of the present invention. The cap 1 generally comprises a body or crown 3 and a removable elastic band or strap 5 which is attachable to the body 3 to allow for variation in size of the cap 1. The body 3 may be formed by stitching together a plurality of gores or panels 7 in a conventional fashion to form a generally hemispherical shaped body 3 having a lower edge 9. The body 3 is shown in FIG. 2 as comprising six panels 7 which are designated by reference numerals 7 a-7 f. The panels 7 include front panels 7 a and 7 b, side panels 7 c and 7 d, and rear panels 7 e and 7 f. A brim 13 is attached to the body 3 proximate the front panels 7 a and 7 b so as to extend outwardly therefrom. One or more of the panels 7 may be equipped with ventilation holes 15 which provide air circulation to the interior of the cap 1. The ventilation holes 15 may be reinforced by grommets 17 to prevent tearing or unraveling of the respective panels 7.

[0023] A semi-circular cutout or opening 19 is formed in the rear of the body 3 through rear panels 7 e and 7 f and extends upwardly from the lower edge 9. A headband 21 is fastened to the interior of the body 3 along the lower edge 9. The headband 21 has terminal ends 23 and 25 in register with the edges of the opening 19 (see FIG. 4). The elastic band 5 is releasably attachable to the body 3 by suitable attachment means so as to generally span the opening 19 between the terminal ends 23 and 25 of the headband 21. The elastic nature of the band 5, in combination with the semi-circular opening 19, allows the cap 1 to expand and contract to adjust to the head size of an individual.

[0024] A preferred attachment means for releasably attaching the band 5 to the body 3 comprises a pair of grommets 27 set into the body 3 acting in combination with hook assemblies 29 secured to opposing ends of the strap 5. The grommets 27 are each set into a respective one of the rear panels 7 e and 7 f proximate the respective terminal end 23 or 25 of the headband 21. As best seen in FIG. 5, the hook assemblies 29 each include a hook 31 fixedly attached to a clamp 33 which serves to permanently attach the respective hook 31 to the strap 5. Each clamp 33 includes a pair of opposed flanges 35 having teeth 37. The clamps 33 are attached to the strap 5 by placing a respective end of the elastic strap 5 between the flanges 35 of a respective clamp 33 and compressing the flanges 35 together, driving the teeth 37 into the strap 5. The strap 5 is releasably attached to the body 3 by inserting the hooks 31 into the grommets 27.

[0025] Because the straps 5 are easily removable from the body 3 of the cap 1, it becomes possible to alter the appearance of the cap 1 by providing a plurality of straps 5 having different appearances and interchanging the straps 5, as shown in FIG. 3. For example, a first strap 5 a may have a first logo or indicia 39 displayed thereon whereas a second strap 5 b displays a second logo or indicia 41 which is different from the first indicia 39. The second strap 5 b may also have a different color than the first strap 5 a. A wearer can, therefore, significantly change the appearance of a cap 1 having strap 5 a attached by removing the strap 5 a and substituting strap 5 b in its place.

[0026] Second Embodiment

[0027] Referring to FIG. 6, the reference numeral 100 generally designates a visor which represents a second embodiment of the present invention. The visor 100 generally comprises a visor body 103 and a removable elastic band or strap 105 which is attachable to the body 103 to allow for variation in size of the visor 100. The body 103 may be formed by stitching together a plurality of gores or panels 107 in a conventional fashion to form a generally U-shaped body 103. The body 103 is shown as comprising four panels 107 which are designated by reference numerals 107 a-107 d. The panels 107 include front panels 107 a and 107 b, and rear panels 107 c and 107 d. The body 103 includes an upper edge 108, a lower edge 109 and spaced apart ends 111 and 112. A brim 113 is attached to the body 103 proximate the front panels 107 a and 107 b so as to extend outwardly therefrom.

[0028] A gap or opening 119 is formed in the rear of the body 103 between the body ends 111 and 112. A headband 121 is fastened to the interior of the body 103 along the lower edge 109. The headband 121 has terminal ends 123 and 125 in register with the body ends 111 and 112, respectively. The elastic band 105 is releasably attachable to the body 103 by suitable attachment means so as to span the opening 119 between the terminal ends 123 and 125 of the headband 121. The elastic nature of the band 105 allows the visor 100 to expand and contract to adjust to the head size of an individual wearer.

[0029] A preferred attachment means for releasably attaching the band 105 to the body 103 comprises a pair of grommets 127 set into the body 103 acting in combination with hook assemblies 129 secured to opposing ends of the strap 105. The grommets 127 are each set into a respective one of the rear panels 107 c and 107 d proximate the respective terminal end 123 or 125 of the headband 121. The hook assemblies 129 each include a hook 131 fixedly attached to a clamp 133 similar to the clamps 33 previously described. The strap 105 is releasably attached to the body 103 by inserting the hooks 131 into the grommets 127. As described above in conjunction with the cap 1, the removable nature of the strap 105 allows a user to alter the appearance of the visor 100 by interchanging amongst a plurality of straps 105 having different appearances.

[0030] Third Embodiment

[0031] Referring to FIG. 7, the reference numeral 200 generally designates a cap which represents a third embodiment of the present invention. The cap 200 generally comprises a cap body 203 and a removable elastic band or strap 205 which is attachable to the body 203. Unlike the bands 5 and 105 or the previous embodiments, the band 205 is purely decorative and does not serve to allow for variation in size of the hat 200. The cap 200 is depicted as a fishing cap of the well-known type having a generally bucket shaped body 203 having a lower edge 209 and an annular brim 213 attached to the lower edge 209 so as to extend outwardly from the body 203.

[0032] The elastic band 205 is releasably attachable to the body 203 by suitable attachment means, such as a pair of grommets 227 set into the body 203 acting in combination with hook assemblies 229 secured to opposing ends of the strap 205. The grommets 227 are each set into the body 203 in spaced relation to one another proximate the front of the cap 200. The hook assemblies 229 each include a hook 231 fixedly attached to a clamp 233 similar to the clamps 33 previously described. The strap 205 is releasably attached to the body 203 by inserting the hooks 231 into the grommets 227. Again, the removable nature of the strap 205 allows a user to alter the appearance of the cap 200 by interchanging amongst a plurality of straps 205 having different appearances.

[0033] It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown. In particular the hook and grommet attachment means described is only a preferred means for attaching the strap 5, 105 or 205 to the respective body 3, 103 or 203, and it is to be understood that any of a wide variety of other known attachment means could be used. For example, the elastic strap could be attached to the respective body using snaps, buttons, hook and loop fasteners (Velcro®), buckles, or any other attachment means which allows for both ends of the strap to be easily detached from the body.

[0034] In addition, the grommets 27, 127 and 227 are shown herein as being of an elongate shape having a length sized to receive respective hooks 31, 131 or 231 formed of flat material having a width which is less than the length of the grommets. It is to be understood, however, that the grommets and hooks could be of different shapes than those shown, for example round grommets could be used to receive hooks formed of wire or other material of generally round cross section. It is also to be understood that other articles of clothing including pants and shirts could be designed to include pairs of grommets 27 or other fastening means to which the straps 5 could be interchangeably attached with the hook assemblies 29 or corresponding fastening means. 

what is claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is as follows:
 1. An item of headgear comprising a body in combination with a detachable elastic band wherein: a) said body includes a headband forming a lower portion of said body and said headband includes terminal ends positioned in spaced relation to one another proximate a rear of said body; and b) said elastic band includes opposed ends each of which is releasably attachable to said body proximate a respective one of said headband terminal ends.
 2. The item of headgear as in claim 1 wherein said elastic band is a first elastic band and said item of headgear further includes a second elastic band interchangeable with said first elastic band.
 3. The item of headgear as in claim 2 wherein said first elastic band includes first indicia displayed thereon and said second elastic band includes second indicia displayed thereon, said second indicia being different from said first indicia.
 4. The item of headgear as in claim 1 wherein: a) said body includes a pair of grommets, each of said grommets being set into said body proximate a respective one of said headband terminal ends; b) said elastic band includes a pair of hooks, each of said hooks being attached to a respective one of said band opposite ends; and c) said elastic band is releasably attachable to said body by bringing each of said hooks into engagement with a respective one of said grommets.
 5. The item of headgear as in claim 1 and further including a brim extending outwardly from a front of said body.
 6. The item of headgear as in claim 5 wherein said item of headgear comprises a baseball cap.
 7. The item of headgear as in claim 5 wherein said item of headgear comprises a visor.
 8. An item of headgear comprising: a) a body having a headband forming a lower portion of said body, said headband including terminal ends positioned in spaced relation to one another proximate a rear of said body; b) an elastic band having opposed ends; and c) attachment means for releasably attaching each of said band opposed ends to said body proximate a respective one of said headband terminal ends.
 9. The item of headgear as in claim 8 wherein said attachment means comprises: a) a pair of grommets, each of which is set into said body proximate a respective one of said headband terminal ends; and b) a pair of hooks, each of which is attached to a respective one of said opposed ends of said band, said hooks being engageable into said grommets to releasably attach said band to said body.
 10. The item of headgear as in claim 8 wherein said elastic band is a first elastic band and said item of headgear further includes a second elastic band interchangeable with said first elastic band.
 11. The item of headgear as in claim 10 wherein said first elastic band includes first indicia displayed thereon and said second elastic band includes second indicia displayed thereon, said second indicia being different from said first indicia.
 12. An item of headgear comprising a body in combination with a detachable elastic band wherein: a) said body includes a rear portion and a lower edge, said rear portion having an opening formed therein, said opening extending upwardly from said lower edge; and b) said elastic band includes opposed ends each of which is releasably attachable to said body at a respective attachment point, said attachment points being located on opposite sides of said opening such that, when attached to said body, said band extends across said opening.
 13. The item of headgear as in claim 12 wherein said elastic band is a first elastic band and said item of headgear further includes a second elastic band interchangeable with said first elastic band.
 14. The item of headgear as in claim 13 wherein said first elastic band includes first indicia displayed thereon and said second elastic band includes second indicia displayed thereon, said second indicia being different from said first indicia.
 15. The item of headgear as in claim 12 wherein: a) said body includes a pair of grommets, each of said grommets being set into said body proximate a respective one of said headband terminal ends; b) said elastic band includes a pair of hooks, each of said hooks being attached to a respective one of said band opposite ends; and c) said elastic band is releasably attachable to said body by bringing each of said hooks into engagement with a respective one of said grommets.
 16. The item of headgear as in claim 12 and further including a brim extending outwardly from a front of said body.
 17. The item of headgear as in claim 16 wherein said item of headgear comprises a baseball cap.
 18. The item of headgear as in claim 16 wherein said item of headgear comprises a visor.
 19. An item of headgear comprising a body in combination with a detachable elastic band wherein: a) said body includes a pair of grommets set therein; and b) said elastic band includes opposed ends and a pair of hooks, each of said hooks being attached to a respective one of said opposite ends; wherein c) said elastic band is releasably attachable to said body by bringing each of said hooks into engagement with a respective one of said grommets.
 20. The item of headgear as in claim 19 wherein said body includes a headband forming a lower portion of said body, said headband has terminal ends in spaced relation to one another, and said grommets are each set into said body proximate a respective one of said headband terminal ends.
 21. The item of headgear as in claim 19 wherein said body includes a rear portion and a lower edge, said rear portion having an opening formed therein, said opening extending upwardly from said lower edge; and said grommets are set into said body on opposing sides of said opening such that, when attached to said body, said band extends across said opening.
 22. An item of headgear comprising: a) a body having a headband forming a lower portion of said body, said headband including terminal ends positioned in spaced relation to one another proximate a rear of said body; b) a band having opposed ends; and c) attachment means for releasably attaching each of said band opposed ends to said body proximate a respective one of said headband terminal ends.
 23. The item of headgear as in claim 22 wherein said band is elastic and said attachment means comprises: a) a pair of grommets, each of which is set into said body proximate a respective one of said headband terminal ends; and b) a pair of hooks, each of which is attached to a respective one of said opposed ends of said band, said hooks being engageable into said grommets to releasably attach said band to said body.
 24. The item of headgear as in claim 22 wherein said band is a first band and said item of headgear further includes a second band interchangeable with said first band.
 25. The item of headgear as in claim 24 wherein said first band includes first indicia displayed thereon and said second band includes second indicia displayed thereon, said second indicia being different from said first indicia.
 26. An item of headgear comprising a body in combination with a detachable band wherein: a) said body includes a rear portion and a lower edge, said rear portion having an opening formed therein, said opening extending upwardly from said lower edge; and b) said band includes opposed ends each of which is releasably attachable to said body at a respective attachment point, said attachment points being located on opposite sides of said opening such that, when attached to said body, said band extends across said opening.
 27. The item of headgear as in claim 26 wherein said band is a first band and said item of headgear further includes a second band interchangeable with said first band.
 28. The item of headgear as in claim 27 wherein said first band includes first indicia displayed thereon and said second band includes second indicia displayed thereon, said second indicia being different from said first indicia.
 29. An item of headgear comprising a body in combination with a detachable band including indicia displayed thereon, wherein: a) said body includes a pair of grommets set therein; and b) said band includes opposed ends and a pair of hooks, each of said hooks being attached to a respective one of said opposite ends; wherein c) said band is releasably attachable to said body by bringing each of said hooks into engagement with a respective one of said grommets.
 30. The item of headgear as in claim 29 wherein said body includes a headband forming a lower portion of said body, said headband has terminal ends in spaced relation to one another, and said grommets are each set into said body proximate a respective one of said headband terminal ends.
 31. The item of headgear as in claim 29 wherein said body includes a rear portion and a lower edge, said rear portion having an opening formed therein, said opening extending upwardly from said lower edge; and said grommets are set into said body on opposing sides of said opening such that, when attached to said body, said band extends across said opening. 